A prominent red-brick building in Newry that was once regarded as a “centre of parish life”, possibly housing patients suffering from Tuberculosis for a time, may now be converted into five new apartments, if plans are approved.
Known as ‘Glebe House’, the building – with a striking tower structure to the side – and based on Windsor Avenue was constructed over 100 years ago for the Reverend Smart in 1905.
According to a design and access statement accompanying the planning application – prepared by Cole Partnership Architecture & Project Management – the building may have been used as a “hospital or refuge for the sick” in association with St Mary’s Church and within that tower, held patients with Tuberculosis.
The application – submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in the name of Mel Hughes – now seeks permission to transform the listed building into five apartments.
The design statement explains that the owner of the building does not live on site but that the current occupants have been there for 10 years.
It describes the building as being in “relatively good condition”, however, adds that some of the elements of the buildings are starting to “deteriorate and causing the ingress of moisture which will be detrimental to the longevity of the dwelling”.
If approved, the proposals seek to create four two bedroom apartments and one single bedroom apartment with retention of the existing historic structure and only “minor internal work”.
This will be done by providing internal separating walls. Skirting and architrave will be designed to match the existing skirting and architrave within the dwelling and any new doors will match the existing timber doors in the property as necessary.
There will be minor modification to some internal rooms to provide bathroom facilities and kitchen facilities.
Access to the existing building will continue to be available from Windsor Avenue and parking will be provided for the new apartments at the rear and side of the property.
The main entrance door will remain “untouched” and will provide access to three of the apartments, one ground floor apartment and two first floor apartments.
The existing door on the side elevation will provide an independent access to another ground floor apartment and a new doorway will be formed on the other side of the elevation to provide another independent access to a ground floor apartment.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
